At the southern end of the Fish River Canyon is the Ai-Ais Hot Springs resort, which is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts.

Ai-Ais: ‘very hot’ or ‘hot water’ is what the Nama called this place. Water from the springs at Ai-Ais is pumped into the thermal baths at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The water is rich in fluorides, sulphates and chlorides and is said to relieve rheumatic ailments and illnesses of the nervous system. Totally healthy visitors will find a bath most relaxing, too. The thermal baths are situated on the grounds of a rest-camp in the narrow gorge at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon, far below the highland plateau. Ai-Ais is now open throughout the year. You should bear in mind, though, that it can become excessively hot during the summer months (October to March).

On this side of the river, the visual impact of a wall of ferocious mountains stabbing at a rainless sky can give you goose bumps, despite the heat.